GB2622836A

GB2622836A - Floor Tape Dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2622836A
Application number: GB2214290.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oxbrough Matthew; Turner Benjamin
Original assignee: Toffeln Ltd
Current assignee: Toffeln Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-29
Filing date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2024-04-03
Also published as: GB202214290D0

Abstract

A dispenser 1 for dispensing floor cable cover tape 10 has a dispenser box 2, a roll of floor cable cover tape 11 and an opening 15 in the dispenser box. A cutting element 20, which may have a channel 22 and a sliding blade 23, is attachable to the dispenser box adjacent the opening is configured to cut across the width of the floor cable cover tape. The tape may have a sheet layer (12 fig.9), such as a PVC mesh, and an adhesive strip (13 fig.9), which may be low tack. The dispenser may have feet (17 fig.10) or be mountable to a wall using apertures (52 fig.11) in mounting surface 4. A lid 55 may be pivotally attached using hinge pin (56 fig.11).

Description

FLOOR TAPE DISPENSER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[00011 The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing floor cable cover tape. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The extension of cables across a floor is often necessary. However, this can present a trip hazard that risks injury to individuals, as well as damage to the cables themselves. A simple, and cost-effective means of mitigating such issues is the use of floor cable cover tape that can be pulled from a roll, placed over the cable, and attached to the floor. This fixes the cable in position contours the raised profile of the cable, and improves visibility of the cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A first aspect of the invention provides a dispenser for dispensing floor cable cover tape, comprising: a dispenser box, a roll of floor cable cover tape located in the dispenser box, an opening defined in the dispenser box, the opening configured to allow a length of floor cable cover tape to be pulled from the roll and through the opening of the dispenser box, a cutting element configured to attach to the dispenser box adjacent the opening, wherein the cutting dement is configured to cut across a width-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape to separate the length of floor cable cover tape from the roll of floor cable cover tape.

[0004] Attaching the cutting element to the dispenser box allows the floor cable cover tape to be cut more quickly than if the cutting element were separate. The cutting element is conveniently located adjacent the opening and is therefore well positioned to cut the floor cable cover tape as it exits the opening, without unnecessarily unravelling the roll or otherwise leaving a long length of floor cable cover tape extending out from the opening.

[0005] User contact with the floor cable cover tape can also be minimised due to the cutting element attached to the dispenser box adjacent the opening, whilst maintaining the roll of floor cable cover tape in the dispenser box.

[0006] The cutting element may have a length greater than or equal to a width of the floor cable cover tape. With this arrangement, the floor cable cover tape can be cut in one cutting motion.

[0007] The cutting element may comprise a channel and a sliding blade element that runs along the channel to cut the floor cable cover tape. This provides a simple means of providing a smooth and straight cut across the floor cable cover tape.

[0008] The roll of floor cable cover tape may be enveloped by the dispenser box. This helps to protect the roll of floor cable cover tape.

[0009] The floor cable cover tape may comprise a sheet layer and an adhesive strip attached to the sheet layer.

[0010] The adhesive strip may be a first adhesive strip, and the dispenser may comprise a second adhesive strip spaced from the first adhesive strip in a width-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape. This provides a space, absent of adhesive, in which the cable can be channelled without directly contacting any adhesive.

[0011] The adhesive strip may comprise a low tack adhesive configured to releasably attach the floor cable cover tape to a surface. With this arrangement, the floor cable cover tape is more easily detachable from a floor or other surface.

[0012] The sheet layer may be a PVC mesh.

[0013] The roll of floor cable cover tape may be at least 10 centimetres in width. [0014] The roll of floor cable cover tape may be at least 10 metres in length. [0015] The dispenser may comprise a cover positioned over the opening.

[0016] The cover may have a perforated edge arranged to be detached from the dispenser box prior to pulling the length of floor cable cover tape through the opening of the dispenser box.

[0017] This provides a simple means of rapidly removing the cover. [0018] The dispenser box may be formed of cardboard. [0019] The dispenser box may be formed of metal.

[0020] The dispenser box may comprise feet extending from a bottom face of the dispenser box for supporting the dispenser box on a surface.

[0021] The dispenser may comprise a mounting surface for attaching the dispenser box to a wall.

[0022] The mounting surface may define one or more apertures through which fastening means are extendable to attach the dispenser box to a wall.

[0023] The dispenser box may comprise a lid for providing access to the interior of the dispenser box. With this arrangement, the dispenser can be refilled with replacement rolls of floor cable cover tape.

[0024] The lid may be pivotably attached to a side wall of the dispenser box. This allows the lid to be opened without having to remove and set aside the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0026] Figure 1 shows a first example of a dispenser; [0027] Figure 2 shows the dispenser of figure 1 including a cover over an opening of the dispenser box; [0028] Figure 3 shows a length of floor cable cover tape extending through the opening; [0029] Figure 4 shows a cutting element for cutting the floor cable cover tape; [0030] Figure 5 shows a front view of the dispenser with a sliding blade element of the cutting element in a first position adjacent a firs( side of the dispenser box; [0031] Figure 6 shows a front view of the dispenser with a sliding blade element of the cutting element in a second position adjacent a second side of the dispenser box; [0032] Figure 7 shows a length of floor cable cover tape cut from a roll; [0033] Figure 8 shows floor cable cover tape overlaid on a cable on a floor; [0034] Figure 9 shows a lower surface of the floor cable cover tape; [0035] Figure 10 shows a second example of a dispenser; [0036] Figure 11 shows a third example of a dispenser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) [0037] Figure 1 shows a dispenser I for dispensing floor cable cover tape 10. The dispenser 1 includes a dispenser box 2. The floor cable cover tape 10 is located in the dispenser box 2 and in the form of a roll 11 of floor cable cover tape 10. The floor cable cover tape 10 on the roll 11 may have a length of at least 5m, preferably at least 10m, and more preferably at least 30m. The floor cable cover tape 10 on the roll 11 may have a width of at least 100mm, and preferably at least 150mm The roll 11 of floor cable cover tape 10 may be enveloped by the dispenser box 2, such that the roll 11 is substantially encircled by the dispenser box 2.

[0038] The dispenser box 2 may have any suitable shape. The example of a dispenser box 2 shown in figure 1 is substantially cuboid, having a front face 3, rear face 4, top face 5, bottom face 6, and opposing side faces?, 8. The roll 11 is freely contained within the dispenser box 2, without any fixture restricting movement of the roll 11 within the dispenser box 2 other than the walls of the dispenser box 2, however it will be appreciated that in alternative examples the roll 11 may be fixed in position by a fixture means (not shown), such as a support bar that extends through a central axis of the roll [0039] An opening 15 is defined on the dispenser box 2, such as on the front face 3 as shown in figure 1. The opening 15 is sized to permit a length of floor cable cover tape 10 to be pulled from inside the dispenser box 2, and in particular from the roll 11 inside the dispenser box, through the opening 15. The opening 15 may have an aspect ratio of between 6:1 and 10:1. The opening 15 may have a length of at least 120mm and preferably at least 160mm. The opening 15 may have a height of at least 15mm and preferably at least 20mm.

[0040] Providing the roll 11 of floor cable cover tape 10 in a dispenser box 2 protects the floor cable cover tape 10 from damage or contaminants affecting the floor cable cover tape 10, as well as preventing undesirable unravelling of the floor cable cover tape 10 from the roll 11. In short, a required length of floor cable cover tape 10 can be pulled from the roll 11, and out from the dispenser box 2, whilst unused floor cable cover tape 10 can remain on the roll 11.

[0041] The dispenser box 2 may be formed of cardboard, such as papyraceous or other fibre-based materials.

[0042] The dispenser 1 may include a cover 16 positioned over the opening 15, for example as shown in figure 2. The dispenser 1 may be supplied with the cover 16 pre-attached to the dispenser box 2, such that the end-user removes the cover 16 in order to access the floor cable cover tape 10 on the roll 11. This restricts access to the roll 11 until required, preventing dust, debris and other contaminants from entering the dispenser box 2 through the opening 15.

[0043] The cover 16 may be attached to the dispenser box at a perforated edge 16a. The perforated edge 16a can allow the cover 16 to be detached from the dispenser box 2, however it will be appreciated that in other examples the cover 16 may remain at least partially attached to the dispenser box 2.

[0044] The floor cable cover tape 10 is pulled from the roll 11, and out through the opening 15, such as shown in figure 3.

[0045] The dispenser 1 includes a cutting element 20 that is attached to the dispenser box 2 adjacent to the opening 15. The cutting element 20 is arranged to cut the floor cable cover tape 10 across a width-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape 10 so as to allow a desired length of the floor cable cover tape 10 to be separated from the floor cable cover tape 10 remaining on the roll 11.

[0046] The cutting element 20 may have a length greater than or equal to a width of the floor cable cover tape 10 so that the floor cable cover tape 10 can be cut in a single cutting action.

[0047] The cutting element 20 may be a rotary cutter 21 comprising a channel 22 and a sliding blade element 23 that runs along the channel 22 in order to cut the floor cable cover tape 10. The sliding blade element 23 may be supported on opposing sides of the channel 22 by slider rails 24 along which the sliding blade element 23 is slidable. The sliding blade element 23 may include a cutting disc 25 that is rotatable about an axis 26 perpendicular to the length of the channel 22.

[0048] As shown in figures 5 and 6, the cutting element 20 extends across the opening 15 of the dispenser box 2 and across a width-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape 10. The sliding blade element 23 is moved from adjacent a first of the opposing side faces 7 to a second of the opposing side faces 8 so as to cut the floor cable cover tape 10, such as shown in figure 7.

[0049] In contrast to alternative cutting means, such as scissors, a cutting element 20 attached to the dispenser box 2 can achieve a faster, straighter, and smoother cut of the floor cable cover tape 10. The cutting element 20 is conveniently located on the dispenser box 2 such that the cutting element 20 is easily accessible, doesn't require additional storage means, and ensures that the user has minimal contact with the floor cable cover tape 10 Minimising contact with the floor cable cover tape 10 can be particularly beneficial when cleanliness is a significant concern, such as in clinical settings, whilst convenient and rapid preparation of the floor cable cover tape 10 can also be particularly valued in such settings.

[0050] Figure 8 shows an example of the floor cable cover tape 10 overlaying a cable 30. The cable 30 extends along a generally length-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape 10 so as to restrict movement of the cable 30 laterally (some small lateral movement of the cable 30 may be permitted), whilst blending the contours of the cable 30 to that of the surrounding floor 40.

[0051] This fixes the cable 30 in position and contours over the raised profile of the cable. The increased surface area of the floor cable cover tape 10 can also improve visibility of the cable 30.

[0052] As shown in figure 9, the floor cable cover tape 10 has a sheet layer 12 and an adhesive strip 13 attached to the sheet layer 12. The adhesive strip 13 is arranged to attach the sheet layer 12 to a floor 40, or other surface, with the sheet layer 12 forming an upper surface of the floor cable cover tape 10 in use.

[0053] The sheet layer 12 may be formed of a PVC mesh or similar material. The adhesive strip(s) 13, 13a, 13b may comprise a low tack adhesive, such that the floor cable cover tape 10 can be easily detached from the floor 40.

[0054] The floor cable cover tape 10 may comprise two or more adhesive strips 13. In the example shown in figure 8, the floor cable cover tape 10 includes a first adhesive strip 13a spaced from a second adhesive strip 13h in the width-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape 10. In this manner, the movement of the cable 30 can be restricted without necessarily adhesively fixing the cable 30 itself. In other words, the space between the first and second adhesive strips 13a, 1 3b, which may alternatively be referred to as a gap, provides a channel along which the cable 30 extends.

[0055] Figures 10 and 11 show alternative examples in which the dispenser box 2 is formed of metal. This can provide a more robust dispenser box 2 in comparison to dispenser boxes 2 formed of other materials, such as cardboard.

[0056] In the example shown in figure 10, the dispenser box 2 includes a set of feet 17 (for example -four feet) on which the dispenser 1 can be placed. The feet 17 may be formed of rubber or any other suitable material.

[0057] The dispenser 1 may include a bracket 50 on, or adjacent to, the rear face 4 of the dispenser box 2 that defines a mounting surface 51 via which the dispenser 1 can be mounted to a wall or other surface. Figure 11 shows the bracket 50 attached adjacent the rear face 4 of the dispenser box 2 [0058] The mounting surface 51 may define one or more apertures 52 through which fastening means 53, such as male threaded fasteners 53a, are insertable to attach the dispenser Ito the wall.

[0059] The dispenser box 2 may include a lid 55 that provides access to the interior of the dispenser box 2, and in particular to the roll 11 of floor cable cover tape 10. This can allow the dispenser box 2 to be reusable, by allowing a fresh roll 11 to be inserted into the dispenser box as required. The lid 55 may be pivotally attached to a side wall (i.e. one of the front face 3, rear face 4 or opposing side faces 7, 8.) of the dispenser box 2, such as shown in figure 11 in which the lid 55 is pivotally attached to the rear face 4 of the dispenser box by a hinge pin 56. The lid 55 may overlap at least a portion of the side walls, for example the lid 55 may overlap the front face 3 and opposing side faces 7,8 as shown in figure 11.

[0060] It will be clear to the skilled person that many of the features described in relation to each example can be appropriately combined with the features of other examples. For instance, the example of a dispenser shown in figures 1 to 7 may be formed of any material, including metal. Similarly, in some instances the examples shown in figures 10 and 11 may he formed of cardhoard or other suitable materials. Each of the examples may include a cover 16, lid 55, feet 17 or bracket 50, as desired.

[0061] Where the word 'or' appears this is to be construed to mean 'and/or such that items referred to are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be used in any appropriate combination.

[0062] Although the invention has been descrthed above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dispenser for dispensing floor cable cover tape, comprising: a dispenser box, a roll of floor cable cover tape located in the dispenser box, an opening defined in the dispenser box, the opening configured to allow a length of floor cable cover tape to be pulled from the roll and through the opening of the dispenser box, a cutting element configured to attach to the dispenser box adjacent the opening, wherein the cutting element is configured to cut across a width-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape to separate the length of floor cable cover tape from the roll of floor cable cover tape.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cutting element has a length greater than or equal to a width of the floor cable cover tape.
3. The dispenser of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting dement comprises a channel and a sliding blade element that runs along the channel to cut the floor cable cover tape.
4. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the roll of floor cable cover tape is enveloped by the dispenser box.
5. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the floor cable cover tape comprises a sheet layer and an adhesive strip attached to the sheet layer.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the adhesive strip is a first adhesive strip, and the dispenser comprises a second adhesive strip spaced from the first adhesive strip in a width-wise direction of the floor cable cover tape.
7. The dispenser of claim 5 or 6, wherein the adhesive strip comprises a low tack adhesive configured to rcleasably attach the floor cable cover tape to a surface.
8. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the sheet layer is a PVC mesh.
9. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the roll of floor cable cover tape is at least 10 centimetres in width.
10. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the roll of floor cable cover tape is at least 10 metres in length.
11 The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising a cover positioned over the opening, the cover having a perforated edge arranged to be detached from the dispenser box prior to pulling the length of floor cable cover tape through the opening of the dispenser box.
12. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser box is fom-ied of cardboard.
13. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dispenser box is formed of metal.
14 The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser box comprises feet extending from a bottom face of the dispenser box for supporting the dispenser box on a surface.
The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising a mounting surface for attaching the dispenser box to a wall.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the mounting surface defines one or more apertures through which fastening means are extendable to attach the dispenser to a wall.
17. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser box comprises a lid for providing access to the interior of the dispenser box.
18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the lid is pivotably attached to a side wall of the dispenser box.